In Tasmania in 2001, 21,000 males and 12,300 females were classified as having a risky or high risk drinking status. However, the majority of Tasmanians were classified as low risk (101,500 males and 73,300 females).

ALCOHOL DRINKING STATUS(a), Tasmania - 2001

Age group (years)

18-34

35-54

55 and over

Total

Drinking Status

'000

'000

'000

'000

Males

Low risk

30.6

41.8

29.2

101.5

Risky/high risk

7.8

9.7

*3.5

21.0

Last consumed alcohol 1 week to less than 12 months ago

9.0

11.7

9.6

30.3

Last consumed alcohol 12 months or more ago/Never consumed alcohol

*2.1

*3.6

8.8

14.5

Total(b)

49.5

66.8

51.0

167.3

Females

Low risk

22.9

34.6

15.8

73.3

Risky/high risk

*3.3

6.3

*2.7

12.3

Last consumed alcohol 1 week to less than 12 months ago

18.4

18.2

16.7

53.3

Last consumed alcohol 12 months or more ago/Never consumed alcohol

5.8

9.7

21.6

37.1

Total(b)

50.4

68.8

56.9

176.0

* estimate has a relative standard error of between 25% and 50% and should be used with caution(a) Persons aged 18 years and over.(b) Includes persons for whom time since last drank alcohol was not stated.

Source: ABS data available on request, 2001 National Health Survey.

In 2001, some 24.4% of Tasmanians (21.6% of Australians) aged 18 years had consumed alcohol in the last year, whilst 7.5% of Tasmanians (10.8% of Australians) never consume alcohol.

Tasmanians were represented in smaller proportions in the risky and high risk category (6.3% and 3.5%, respectively) than the total Australian population (6.7% and 4.1%, respectively).

ALCOHOL DRINKING STATUS(a)(b) - 2001

Tasmania

Australia

Drinking status

%

%

Low risk

51.3

50.8

Risky

6.3

6.7

High risk

3.5

4.1

Last consumed alcohol 1 week to less than 12 months ago

24.4

21.6

Last consumed alcohol 12 months or more ago

6.9

6.0

Never consumed alcohol(c)

7.5

10.8

Total

100.0

100.0

(a) Based on Australian Alcohol Guidelines, October 2001.(b) Persons aged 18 years and over.(c) Includes approximately 1% persons for whom time since last drank alcohol was not stated.